Elfsborg and Hacken Share the Spoils in Allsvenskan Thriller

In a pulsating encounter at Borås Arena, IF Elfsborg and BK Häcken played out a 1-1 draw in the Swedish Allsvenskan on the night of May 26, 2026. The result keeps both sides firmly in the hunt for the upper half of the table, with neither able to seize a decisive advantage in a match full of tactical intrigue and late drama.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, the pace was relentless. Elfsborg, playing in front of their home supporters, looked to impose their high-pressing game, while Häcken—renowned for their fluid attacking style—sought to exploit spaces in behind. The first half was a cagey affair, with both goalkeepers called into action early. Elfsborg’s Isak Pettersson produced a sharp save to deny Häcken’s Benie Traoré, while at the other end, Peter Abrahamsson thwarted Simon Hedlund from a tight angle.

Key Moments

• 54th minute: Elfsborg break the deadlock. A swift counter-attack saw Michael Baidoo slip a perfectly weighted pass to Jeppe Okkels, who slotted cooly past Abrahamsson to make it 1-0.
• 78th minute: Häcken respond. A set-piece routine caught the Elfsborg defence napping, and Valgeir Lunddal Fridriksson powered a header into the bottom corner.
• 89th minute: Chaos in the box. Elfsborg’s Sebastian Holmén saw his close-range effort brilliantly saved by Abrahamsson, denying a late winner.

Tactical Story

Elfsborg’s manager Jimmy Thelin set his side up in a 4-3-3, looking to dominate midfield through the energy of Noah Söderberg and the creativity of Baidoo. Häcken, under Per-Mathias Høgmo, stuck with their preferred 3-5-2, using wing-backs to provide width. The visitors grew into the game after the break, adjusting their pressing triggers to force Elfsborg into longer passes. The equaliser came from one of those tactical tweaks, as Häcken overloaded the far post from a corner.

Standout Performers

Michael Baidoo (Elfsborg) was a constant threat with his dribbling and vision. His assist for the opener was a moment of genuine class. For Häcken, Valgeir Lunddal Fridriksson not only scored the equaliser but also made crucial interceptions in his own box. The Icelandic defender’s versatility was key to his side earning a point on the road.

Table Impact

The draw leaves Elfsborg in 5th place with 22 points, one spot above Häcken in 6th on 21. Both sides will look to build momentum as the Allsvenskan season approaches its summer climax. With four points separating them from league leaders Malmö FF, the race for European places remains wide open.